Thermodynamics & Meteorology

Temperature Converter

Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine scales. Unlike other physical dimensions, temperature scales are affine transformations with non-zero reference offsets (water freezes at 0°C / 32°F / 273.15 K).

Absolute Zero and Kelvin (SI Base Unit)

The Kelvin (K) is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature. It starts at absolute zero (0 K or -273.15 °C), the theoretical point where all classical molecular thermal motion ceases. Notice that Kelvin does not take a degree symbol (°); one writes 300 K, not 300 °K.

Absolute Temperature vs. Temperature Change (ΔT)

Remember that while 0 °C is 32 °F, a *change* of 1 °C is equal to a change of exactly 1.8 °F. When calculating heat transfer, thermal expansion, or HVAC heating loads, never add the 32° offset to differential values!

Δ 1.0 °C = Δ 1.8 °F = Δ 1.0 K (exact step)